Saix

They were doing well now, the Yetti's triple health bars were certainly showing a bit of damage done now. It was also getting pissed, so that was a good thing, right? Between his lightning fast hits with his rapier, as well as his <> skill turning up the hate; it was trying to go all Donkey Kong on him. Which was just fine, because that let 9 and Liz really put the hurt on him. Laughing as he avoided the clumsy strikes, Saix really turned up the heat as he playfully slapped the beast's knuckles with the flat of his blade.

As the clumsy fists missed, Saix grinned and braced himself. My turn He thought, before turning up the speed and rushing forward in a fitting enough representation of his nickname as the <>, ducking under a giant fist he rushed close, his red jacket flapping in the forced wind of his charge, carefully picking a target, and smoothly thrusting 1/2 the length of his blade up into the beast's side, the thin blade going through flesh like a hot knife through butter.

Smoothly sliding the blade free he backpedaled smoothly, weaving around flailing arms and once again placing himself squarely in front of the beast. He could keep this up all day, and 9 and Liz looked to be ready to carve this overgrown monkey to pieces. He had to admit it, things looked pretty good so far. She was willing to dive right into the combat, which was good. Most new players wouldn't have been quite so willing to tangle with something as big as <>, having her face an enemy like this was the best way to see if he would want her to have his back in a real Boss Fight. So far she was impressing him.

"Switch!" He called out, signaling them to begin their attack.

Combat Dice: 4 + 2 HIT

Damage: 1 + 2 + 3 = 6

Saix: 24/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 56/100

<> a rather sleepy little hamlet nestled in the boughs of the giant trees of Floor 8. Saix had not been here since their meeting shortly before the assault against <>, a harrowing battle that had been hard fought and harder won. Following the battle, and the after battle drama, the Guilds had gone their separate ways. But something had changed in that dusty room, and today was a testament to that fact. The Guilds were cooperating, for the first time, fully cooperating. What had begun as a necessary alliance against a foe that none could have beaten alone, had become a true Alliance.

Following the battle Miaki and his Azure Brigade, along with a few other assorted members including Saix's own Lieutenant Nikki Styxx, had ventured into the labyrinth of Floor 9, searching for the Boss Room. Saix had received word via the Personal Message System, that their scouting party had been successful. Now it was time to do it all over again, and he had taken the time to reserve this room for their use once again shortly after the end of their battle against the 8th Floor Boss. He rather liked <>, and this seemingly out of the way location and it's posh meeting quarters had served as an excellent base of operations to plan their last assault.

All that remained now was to await the arrival of the other Guild Leaders that had been invited. Unlike the last Scouting Report, this was aimed at being a much quicker affair a quick strategy break and moment to consider those who would be taken into the field. So, it was planned to be between himself, Miaki, Shark, and a relative newcomer to the Guild scene by the name of Raidou, who had temporarily headed up the Magical Elements Guild before it's dissolution. It was Saix's goal to formulate their strategy for the fight, as well as nail down the composition of their party. Quick, clean, and efficient; that was ever the Ebon Vanguard Captain's aim.

And with that in mind, he waited.

Staggering under their combined assault, the great beast fixed it's beady little eyes on Saix as it bellowed and rushed forward. Swinging it's huge ham like fists, it gnashed it's teeth in frustration as the nimble opponent in red proved too elusive a target.

Combat Dice: 4

Damage: N/A

Saix: 24/25

9Lives: 17/17

Lisbeth: 17/17

Snow Beast: 62/100

raft Attempt 5/5

Craft die: + 1 =

!

-1 mat

Lifting his hammer and setting hot steel on his anvil, Vandal began hammering out something to go along with the theme of his earlier armor attempt.

Craft Attempt 4/5

Craft die: 9 + 1 = 10

Uncommon Item!

-1 mat

Item: Worn Ronin's Headband

Quality: Uncommon

Description: This Red Samurai Headband features a hammered metal forehead protector affixed to a bandanna for comfortable wear.

Ability: +1 Accuracy

Not quite what he had hoped for, but he'd deal with it at his own pace. Heating another block of steel, Vandal lifted his hammer and began beating out a curved sword, deciding on something a little different. He wanted a thin but strong blade, with a razor sharp blade.

Craft Attempt 3/5

Craft die: 8 + 1 = 9

Uncommon Item!

-1 mat

Item: Fine Talwar

Quality: Uncommon

Description: This curved sword is obviously intended for chopping and slashing.

Ability: +1 Damage

That turned out much better than he had expected. Putting another piece of steel into the fire, he began working on a light armor set, something light enough for maximum flexibility but still strong enough to take some punishment. The end result wasn't quite what he was hoping for, but he figured Saix would buy it for newbies like he did most of the other pieces.

Craft Attempt 2/5

Craft die: 9 + 1 = 10

Uncommon Craft!

-1 mat

Item: Worn Ronin's Armor

Quality: Uncommon

Description: This Red Samurai Armor is a little battle worn, but still serviceable, it is the armor of a swordsman used to being in the thick of things.

Ability: +1 Damage Mitigation

Vandal had been out of the shop for a while, but he had a few projects in mind that he wanted to get out of his system before the new Boss was found. So he went to work on a good rapier, something light and flexible, but strong enough to take a real beating. He was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out, a slightly wider blade but still narrow enough for piercing.

Craft Attempt 1/5

Craft die: 12 + 1 = 13

Perfect!

-1 mat

Item: Morning Glory

Quality: Perfect

Description: This beautiful Rapier is forged of light Atlantean Steel, and is a pale white/blue, with golden accents. It's place is slightly thicker than a normal dueling rapier, giving it a heartier blade suited for punishment.

Ability: +3 Damage

"Come on Ryujin, stand up. The point of making mistakes is to stand up and keep going past them, right? That's why you took this quest, right? Get up, and let's kick some ass! You're not about to let some statue defeat you!" Exclaimed Saix as he darted in at high speed, scoring another lightning fast thrust into one of the bleeding cracks that littered the monster statue's body.

Battle Dice: 9 + 2 = Crit!

Damage: 1 + 2 + 3 + 1 = 7

Ryujin: 24/31 - 1 bleed damage

Rosalia: 9/9

Miaki: 57/57

Saix: 19/19

Repentance: 19/80

The man's grip was like a vice, and even though he had tried to pull away initially, Saix had been unable to break the grip. However, when the man spoke, Saix listened. Despite their death match, and the fact that this man had tried to kill him, Saix still did him the honor of hearing his final words. Again, he was struck by the sense of clarity, the understanding behind the words as the man dissolved away, leaving only a pair of dark crimson gloves to mark his passing. Stooping to pick them up, a notification popped before him.

Lifting the gloves in his hand, he examined the Skill Info and his eyes widened, then he checked the statistics of the gloves. This was... A Unique Skill.

The Duelist couldn't help but try and step back, even if he knew it was too little too late. The rapier thrust deep through his chest and he gagged on steel as he dropped his sword and seized his opponent by the sleeve and lapel. With a nasty grin he tugged Saix closer, so that they stood face to face. "Don't forget this feeling kid, it's the only thing that makes fighting worthwhile. Live on the wild side, wagering it all on the razor's edge, so that you can have a blast up until you find someone who is better than you... That's the only way you'll ever find real enjoyment on the battlefield... Take these gloves, and live it up kid, You're The Duelist now, until someone takes it from you, like you did me..." With his message delivered, he grinned one last crooked grin, and burst into fragments.

The Forest was silent again, as two fine leather gloves dropped to the hard stone path.

Combat Dice: 1 [FAIL]

Damage: N/A

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 00/33

Throwing himself backwards Saix narrowly avoids the wicked strike, his grey eyes showing confusion for a half second as the man rambles on. That's what this was about? Saix thinks to himself about why he himself fights... Why he didn't want to fight monsters to harvest materials today, because it wouldn't have been a challenge. This guy was nuts, that much was for sure, he was a murderer and a thief after all; but on some level Saix understood what he was saying... To lay it all on the line in battle, that was the ultimate thrill after all. With that in mind, he raced forward a quick two steps and thrust one more time, hoping to seize victory.

Combat Dice: 7 + 2 = 9 HIT

Damage: -Pending 8-

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 8/33

The Duelist attempted to spin away himself, but his sidestep was a tad to slow and the sharp blade thrust deep. With a wild gleam in his eyes, he barked in mad laughter despite the deadly blow. "Yes! Yes! That's what I'm talkin about! Living on the edge, throwing everything into your defense and praying you don't get hit! That's what its' all about!" He shouts, bringing his sword up and down in a quick vertical strike.

Combat Dice: 6 [HIT]

Damage: -Pending 4-

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 8/33

Time seemed to slow down as Saix watched the incoming strike, knowing he could not rely on his armor, he instead let himself slip into the flow of combat, pivoting on his foot as he tried to twist to the side, away from the deadly blow. The blade passed inches away from him, and he retaliated with a battle cry, lunging forward with a lightning fast thrust from his Rapier.

Combat Dice: 7 + 2 = 9

Damage: -Pending 8-

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 16/33

The Duelist accepted the thrust and backed off for a moment, throwing his head back and laughing. "Now you've got the right idea kid... Tell you what, let's both play this game." He says, with a wink as he shifts his stance and prepares to fight again. Lunging forward he snaps his sword up and over in a quick diagonal slash.

[This is now a battle of evasion, after each attack make your evasion attempt before adjusting damage]

Combat Dice: 7

Damage: 4 -Pending-

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 16/33

Saix looked down mystified, his armor having failed him for the first time ever... Then the man spoke, taunting him about how his armor was useless. Saix's eyes snapped up to that black sword, and then up to the Duelists eyes and the wicked smile on his face. So that was it then... With a warry look, Saix switched his weapon this left hand, and swiped for his menu with his right. A moment later, he had his coat unequipped. A moment after that, he had equipped his old coat, the one that he had used before gaining damage mitigation armor. This was far lighter armor, made for evasion... "If that's the case, I guess I should make sure you don't hit me." he says, swapping his weapon back into his main hand and preparing to attack. With renewed vigor he rushes forward, his blade flickering into a thrust.

Combat Dice: 5 + 2 = 7

Damage: 8

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 16/33

Groaning, the Duelist didn't let up, dropping the point of his sword low, then snapping it back up and away in a quick reverse slash from low to high, intending to open his opponent from belly to throat in one quick movement. Saix's armor was useless, he might as well have not even been wearing it. "Not so tough without your armor, are you smallfry?" Says The Duelist with malice, as his opponent staggers back. "My sword doesn't have to worry about things like armor or equipment skills, so face it, your toast..."

Combat Dice: 10 [Crit]

Damage: 4 + 2 = 6

Saix: 23/33

The Duelist: 24/33

Annoyed by the mocking laugher, Saix picked off the incoming sword with a quick rap from the flat of his blade as the two engaged in combat. This guy fought different, he was using a one-handed straight sword, but it was slender and he was thrusting like it was a rapier or epee, that made the fight different then normal as Saix wasn't sure how the attacks were going to be coming. Bringing his own sword back in centerline, Saix stepped forward with a quick thrust of his own for the mystery man's chest, his blade sliding into flesh.

Combat Dice: 9 [Crit]

Damage: 8 + 1 = 9

Saix: 29/33

The Duelist: 24/33

"Hey, good for you!" Says the Duelist, as he steps forward mockingly clapping. "I was thrilled, that was real edge of my seat action chap, I salute you!" He says, his sword in hand as he lazily assumes a fighting stance of his own. "I'm afraid I don't deal quite as much damage as my friends there... but... Well, you'll see." He says with a grin, as he springs forward in a quick thrust that was a tad wide, allowing the Red Swordsman to pick it off with a quick slap of his blade.

Combat Dice: 3 + 2

Damage: N/A

Saix: 29/33

The Duelist: 33

Caught up in the rush to try and take his opponent down, the blow stung his chest, but Saix pushed through the sensation. Pain was just an illusion here, brought about by the mind seeing the damage to the body and conjuring up the phantom sensation of pain. Saix knew he was not hurt, ignored the injury, and thrust, his Rapier tearing through his enemy and scattering him in a burst of polygons. And then, there was one...

Combat Dice: 10

Damage: 8 + 2 = 10

Saix: 29/33

Henchman 3: 00/15

Henchman 4: 00/15

Howling in pain the Henchmen made a desperate backslash, as he hopped back and away, opening a sliver of distance between the two, nursing his wounded leg as he was reluctant to try and stand on it. Amazingly the attack actually lands, no doubt the Red Swordsman had been careless trying to finish him off. They heavy blade strikes him hard in the chest, dealing some damage through that armored protection.

Combat Dice: 6 [HIT]

Damage: 6

Saix: 29/33

Henchman 3: 00/15

Henchman 4: 07/15

Again, Saix twisted with the hit to let his armor protect him as best it could, as he simultaneously rolled his sword up and out with a quick pop of the shoulder, his thrust penetrating deep into his enemy's thigh, the thin blade sticking all the way down through the meat of the muscle. Saix retracted the blade with a quick twist, tearing it from his opponent's leg, letting him howl in pain at the dirty trick.

Combat Dice: 4 + 2 = HIT

Damage: 8

Saix: 31/33

Henchman 3: 00/15

Henchman 4: 7/15

There was barely a pause in battle, before the remaining henchman charged with a wild yell, swinging his blade back and forth in a flurry of wild strikes. Most the Swordsman was able to dodge, or slap aside with the flat of his blade, but one landed on the shoulder, getting through the armor and dealing some damage.

Combat Dice: 5 + 2 = HIT

Damage: 6 - 4 Reduction

Saix: 31/33

Henchman 3: 00/15

Henchman 4: 15/15

Grunting with pain at the hit to his blindside, Saix pushed through the sensation and rushed forward quickly, loosing a quick stab at his injured opponent's chest, his needle like blade piercing deep. Giving the blade a twist, he wrenched it free, letting the figure burst into polygons as he dipped a hand to his belt, pulling free one of his healing potions and taking a deep draught. He had to keep his health near maximum, there were still two more, and their leader was a dangerous unknown still.

Combat Dice: 8 [HIT]

Damage: 8

Used Healing Potion 1/3

Regain 5 HP

Saix: 33/33

Henchman 3: 00/15

Henchman 4: 15/15

Undeterred by the swordsman's quick counter, the two henchmen continued with the tactic that had brought them victory again and again. As his injured partner fell back, the second henchmen launched a particularly vicious stab to the Red Swordsman's back, his blade stopped partially by the attack, but managing to get a good hit in through his flank.

Combat Dice: 9 [Crit]

Damage: 6 + 1 = 7 - 4 = 3

Saix: 26/33

Henchman 3: 7/15

Henchman 4: 15/15